Research on Large Aperture Antenna Tracking Method Based on SIGSO Satellite

In the end-of-life GEO satellite communication system, satellite remaining fuel is not enough to make north-south station-keeping control. As a result, its orbit inclination becomes larger and larger, and its sub- satellite point range becomes bigger and bigger than GEO satellite as time goes on. This kind of GEO satellites is called "slightly inclined geostationary-satellite orbit, SIGSO" satellite. However, as for the larger aperture antenna in the communication center station, even very small point deviation will cause signal level change which can be ignored, due to the beam is very narrow. Nevertheless, if we select appropriate antenna mount form and tracking mode, signal level change caused by the satellite movement will be minimized, thus ensuring the normal operation of the entire communication system. In this paper, various antenna mount forms and tracking modes are studied and compared, and a field test was conducted for 16 m truss mount by step tracking SIGSO satellite Apstar-1. Finally, the conclusion that turntable antenna mount and monopulse tracking mode is optimal for SIGSO satellites is given. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.